For the 27th consecutive year, Zarda Bar-B-Q provided dinner for the Chiefs. Zarda COO Terry Hyer recalled Neil Smith was a rookie and the Chiefs were training at William Jewell the first time Zarda fed the Chiefs.

In May, Zarda was named the official partner of the American Royal World Series of BBQ, which is moving to Arrowhead Stadium Oct. 1-4. Two full parking lots will be used for competition.